Originally the prestigious game of baccarat was associated with the rich and famous. In the game’s early days, if you wanted to see some fine tuxedo’s and designer gowns you needed only find a baccarat table. Why so elite? It used to be that the game would be played with cold hard cash on the table but, thanks to casino chips and online casinos, it’s a lot more accessible nowadays. This is great news for casino enthusiasts who love the game but don’t love getting all dressed up.

The objective of baccarat is to make a hand value of nine. All cards use their face value and the face cards have no value at all. It’s an entertaining game to play which is why it has enjoyed its status as one of the most popular games in the casino. The long history of the game, in our opinion, is just as fascinating. Here are a few fun facts that we managed to dig up on the subject of baccarat.

Everybody knows that James Bond was fond of baccarat but few know this: when Bond plays against Xenia in Goldeneye, his last hand against her is a king and a queen and a six and this turns out to be a winning hand. Because all face cards have the value of 0, the value of his cards was, in order, 006 the code name of the movies villain, Alec Trevelyan.

The 1970s musical stylist, Burt Bacharach has nothing to do with Baccarat.

Baccarat has a relatively low house edge. The ‘banker bet’ for a 6 or 8 deck show is 1.06%. On the first night that the game was played at the Sands Casino in Las Vegas, the Sands loses were $250,000 in one night. And the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia lost $55 million in one month alone.

When the game came to North America by way of various other colonies the game changed slightly to remove the element of skill and it was known as Punto Banco which translates from Spanish as “player”, “banker”

Mini-baccarat is a version of the game that features lower table limits and simplified rules. This version has attracted players with a more moderate bankroll and thus can be accredited for popularizing the game we now all love to play.

Now that you know a bit more about this iconic casino game you may just feel inclined to give it a try. Next time you’re in the mood to play something a little classier, keep in mind that there are is a seat with your name on it at Bodog Casino.

It’s time to start giving a crap about craps. This well-known table game is a staple in pretty much every casino out there. Have you seen people huddling around a table, cheering outrageously? That’s probably a craps table. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the popular dice game.

Where did the game’s name come from?

Craps is based on the 2000-year-old British dice game known as Hazard that was brought over to Nova Scotia and New Orleans by French settlers. In this archetypal version of the game, one of the rolls was referred to as “crabs,” but, because it was said in a French accent, Americans misheard it as “craps.” The Americans simplified the game, the name stuck and the rest is history.

Where do the dice come from?

Thanks to the popularity of craps, one dice manufacturer in Las Vegas supplies casinos with over 25,000 pairs of dice every month—that’s a lot of dice. The reason they manufacture so many is because the industry requires that dice be replaced every 2,000 rolls. The strict practice is meant to prevent the dice from being altered in a way that could give players an edge.

Why do ladies blow on the dice?

If you’ve ever wondered why Frank Sinatra sang “a lady doesn’t wander all over the room and blow on some other guy’s dice,” the lyric was in reference to a popular superstition that a lady blowing on your dice before you roll will achieve winning results. The Luck be a lady lyrics could therefore be interpreted as a commentary on the fidelity of luck.

How far should you throw the dice?

In most games of craps the dice must make it to the furthest end of the table in order to be considered valid. The shooter should be very careful not to roll them too far, however, since another common superstition is that it’s bad luck if the dice bounce off the table.

What other superstitions are connected with craps?

It is said that female virgin shooters are good luck, but male virgin shooters are bad luck. The meaning of the word “virgin” in this case isn’t what you might think. The superstition actually refers to a player who has never played the game before.

So there you have it – Craps has a fascinating backstory of its own. Head on over to our casino today and who knows, maybe lady luck will be there waiting.

Casino Rewards

You get paid to work hard and at Bodog Casino we think you should get paid to play hard, too. Did you know that you can rack up valuable Casino Points just by playing in Bodog’s online casino? Casino Points offer gratification to savvy players who love to be where the action is, so don’t miss your chance to earn cash while you play.

It couldn’t be easier to get in on our rewards program. Head over to our casino where you can choose from hundreds of the highest quality casino games on the web, and you’ll automatically start earning Casino Points as you play. In other words, not only do you have the chance to win while playing any of your favourite games, but, depending on how many points you earn in a week, your points will be converted into cash and loaded into your account every other Friday. Before you know it you could have a small fortune waiting for you. You can check in on your points balance whenever you like by clicking on your dashboard in the top right corner of the Bodog website.

We offer over 200 slot games, a variety of mini games, blackjack and video poker. Whatever you’re interested in, remember that you’ll be rewarded for playing so go ahead and do what you do best in our casino. There is really no limit to the cash and prizes that can be had at Bodog Casino, so come on in and start collecting Casino Points today.

Our Rating:

Rival recently released an action-packed James Bond-esque i-Slot™ called Spy Game, and our mission was to try it out, disguised as a secret agent, to deliver you our feedback. After a series of nail-biting shoot-outs, car chases, bomb detonations and free spins, we’re back in one-piece and can’t say enough good things about the game. If you’re a sucker for spy films, this game will be right up your alley.

As far as the look and feel goes, prepare to feel as if you’ve stepped into the shoes of a real secret agent. A suspenseful musical score, video game-style maps and camera angles, bond girls, tuxedos, luxury getaway vehicles and various weaponry all really help set the scene for a thrilling crime spree.

If you’re a new i-Slot™ player, be aware that as you progress through the game, the storyline evolves. There are three interactive levels, each with their own mission for you to accomplish in a set amount of time. In your first mission, you’ll be tasked with assembling a bomb. Your second mission is all about locking and loading, and your last mission will be to pull off the perfect escape. This might sound confusing if you’re used to more traditional slots, but thanks to the handy Game Map in the upper-right corner, you’ll be able to see where you are at any point during the game.

On top of these fun and interactive levels, this online slot game also offers some pretty great features. The Pistol will trigger 10 free spins with a 4X multiplier and the wild symbol offers a 3X multiplier during free spins. When you line up four or more symbols, a fun animation that corresponds to the symbol takes over your screen. An exciting free spin accumulation feature is activated when you trigger a bonus level before your free spins run out.

As far as we’re concerned, this game is firing on all cylinders and deserves a solid 5 stars. If you’re looking for edge-of-your-seat action and suspense, this game fits the bill. If you play the game right, you may just drive off with the girl and some suitcases filled with money.

Our Rating:

Fans of the online slot For love & Money are in for a treat. Rival Gaming’s 5-reel, 15 payline fan-favourite has recently undergone a high-quality makeover and we’re pleased to report that the new graphics have turned a good game into a definite winner. We took it for a spin and were blown away by the fresh new graphics and additional animations that really bring this game to the next level.

This online slot game adopts a playfully romantic Shakespearean aesthetic with climbing English ivy, red roses and scrolls of poetry by candlelight. We found the new graphics and storyline so engaging that it was literally love at first spin. The game revolves around a simple love story composed by a young poet in which two love birds meet in a forest under dangerous circumstances. A beautiful young maiden wandering alone is approached by two thugs and nearly perishes, until a handsome hero rushes to her aid. You’ll run into these characters again on the reels as well as a chubby little Cupid, a Box of Chocolates, a Candle and a pair of Love Birds.

For players who loved the original game, you’ll be happy to know that not too much has changed in terms of the game’s rules. Players who aren’t familiar with the original version will get the hang of it pretty quickly, as the layout and features have remained simple and user-friendly. The Writer is a wild, so if this symbol helps to form a winning combination, it’ll double its value. The Cupid symbol is a scatter that can reward you with 10 free spins should you line up three of them. You’ll get another 10 free spins if you line three scatter symbols up during free spins mode, so be sure to keep an eye out for this fortuitous little angel.

All in all, we think this game deserves 4 stars. You can’t go wrong by taking a classic game and revamping it with amazing graphics and animation. Whether you’re in it for the money or just a hopeless romantic, this game will certainly deliver in terms of excitement.

Our Rating:

After spending one very peculiar day at the circus, surrounded by freaks and beasts and ferocious free spins, we’re pleased to report that it was well worth the price of admission. With its classic big top theme, simple design and generous free-spins, this brand new release from Rival Gaming turns out to be quite the crowd pleaser. You’ll be ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ as you spin through all sorts of strange and talented performers to line up winning combinations.

The Barnum & Baily style graphics, which cover everything from a bearded woman to a performing seal, are spot on. Other symbols include a contortionist, a dare-devil inside a cannon, a performing elephant, the ringmaster, a bear on a bike, a clown and a lion. Players who don’t like dizzying circus music will appreciate the muted sounds of a happy crowd with the occasional honk of a clown’s horn to keep everyone smiling. The layout of the game couldn’t be more straightforward—all you have to do is hit the “Spin” button and try to keep a straight face.

This game is pretty standard in terms of features. Click on the ‘View Paytable’ button at the top right or left of your screen to view all the possible payouts and combinations. The tiger is clearly a wild symbol so don’t be afraid, he will substitute for any symbol to help you make winning combinations. The double clown is a scatter symbol and, even if you’re afraid of clowns, they’ll award you with 10 free spins. If you win during the free spins mode they’ll triple the payout that’s listed on the paytable so keep an eye out for that goofy orange hair. While the simplicity certainly has its appeal, if you’re looking for a more interesting game with complex bonus levels, we’ll warn you now that you might find 5 reel circus a little lacking in that respect.

All things considered, we’ve given this game 4 stars. The nostalgic circus theme is fun and entertaining while the user-friendly layout makes for an enjoyable playing experience with massive winning potential. Run away with 5 Reel Circus where you’ll have a wild time in the big top and hopefully land some big wins while you’re there.

Our Rating:

Recently tasked with trying out Bodog Casino’s Bust-A-Vault – a classic 3-reel, single line game powered by Rival – we’re fully convinced that we’ve found the ideal online slot game for beginners and classic slot lovers alike. From its crystal clear interface and convenient in-play paytable to its simple mechanics, you’re in for incredibly smooth spinning sessions when you play this game.

Let’s start with the basics: theme, graphics and sound. As far as the storyline goes, it’s pretty vanilla. We’ve seen the bank heist theme many times before, and the fact that the only symbol in line with the theme is a Green Vault is a little disappointing. Considering this game is an i-Slot designed by Rival Gaming, we felt the graphics could have been a little stronger; however, the simplicity of the artwork makes for one of the smoothest slot interfaces we’ve ever seen. As for the soundtrack, it’s perfectly suited to the theme, capturing the intensity of a bank heist without being overbearing.

The Wild Multiplier Symbol is the only feature Bust-A-Vault has to offer. The Green Vault acts as a wild, which substitutes and multiplies winning combinations by the multiplier listed on the paytable. Line up three of these symbols and you’ll score 2,000 coins – the game’s maximum payout. Another symbol you will want to watch out for is the Cherry. If one, two or three of them appear anywhere on the payline, you’ll be able to add a few more coins to your bankroll.

What we liked most about this game is its built-in paytable. No need to leave the main screen to figure out what you need to line up or why you’ve won. Any time you hit a winning combination, the amount you win is highlighted in the table, alongside its corresponding symbol combination. This allows beginners to fully grasp why they’ve won and what it will take for them to win more which, in more complex games, isn’t always so obvious.

Though this casino game is ideal for anyone new to the world of online slots, intermediate and advanced players be warned: if you’re in the mood for a challenge, you may find this game a bit of a snooze. That being said, we’re giving Bust-A-Vault 3.5 stars and urge all beginners to make their casino debuts by spinning this game. The theme and graphics may be plain, but more often than not simplicity can go a long way, as is the case with this game.

Our Rating:

We had the pleasure of test-spinning A Switch in Time, one of many Rival games added to Bodog Casino’s growing roster, and we’re happy to say we like what we see. No need for a DeLorean or a functioning flux capacitor to travel the space-time continuum. You can now spin through the ages by firing up your desktop or mobile. From its fun theme and original three-round playing process to its bonus rounds and flexible betting limits, we think this feature-rich game is one worth spinning.

As Back to the Future fans, we could not be more excited about the theme. Though we expected more in terms of graphics, the Anime-style artwork is both original and easy on the eyes. The symbols are in line with the theme which is always a plus, and the great thing is that as you progress through the game, the visuals change based on the period of time you’re playing in (past, present or future).

As for features, anyone who’s ever spun an online slot will recognize they’ve hit the jackpot. From the game’s wilds, Free Spins feature and bonus rounds, to its three rounds that come with different symbols, graphics and payouts, there is never a dull moment. As for our favourite bonus element, we’d have to go with the game’s A Switch in Time Bonus Round, which is triggered by landing three or more Time Machine scatter symbols. You’ll get to press buttons on the machine, each of which is worth a prize, and the machine’s needle will move further into the past until it reaches the max. You’ll then be transported into prehistoric times and spin a whole new set of symbols.

If we’re going to be picky, the only real criticism we have has to do with the game’s soundtrack (if you want to call it that). Both boring and repetitive, we suggest hitting the Options button and turning the audio off for a more pleasant time-travel experience. As far as the game’s layout goes, we’ve seen smoother interfaces; however, the design does not detract from the game’s overall ease of play.

As for our final verdict, we think this online slot deserves no less than a 5-star rating. Its theme is enticing, its graphics are original and the three-round structure will keep any spinner on their toes! Though probably best suited for intermediate and advanced spinners, novices should not shy away. Try out a few rounds of practice play, allowing you to play for free, before taking a spin in a real-money game.

Our Rating:

After taking this slot game for a spin, we can safely say that if you’re looking for a trip down memory lane, all the way back to the oldy goldy days of mechanical slot machines, then look no further than Sevens and Bars. Alright, it’s not the fanciest game in the world – what with only three reels and no bonus features— but the potential for big wins is still there. No fluff, no distractions; it’s just you out there with the ol’ machine and the chance to rake in some major winnings.

The graphics are blissfully simple. The Sevens, Bars and Diamonds are easy enough to remember when you’re keeping an eye out for that winning combination. Starting a game of Sevens and Bars is, also, blissfully easy: all players have to do is click on the – and + buttons below the Coin icon to set their preferred coin denomination. Following this, all you need to do is hit “Spin” to begin or use the handy “Bet Max” option to spin with all three coins or push “Auto” to spin multiple times in rapid succession.

The goal of the game is to score a winning combination of symbols on the payline. The Diamond only needs to show up once for you to win your bet back or twice to land a 5X multiplier. The lucky Seens will pay out in any color, but matching colours are the ideal score: they’ll payout the most.

PRO TIP: Aim 3 “7’s and Bars” icons and you’ll land the big one – a payout of 2,500 coins.

Overall, we’re pretty happy with the ease and simplicity of this game. Its lack of affectation and fancy graphics brings the focus back to what really matters: the prospect of winning and scoring that big payout. We’re giving it a solid 3.5 stars.

Blackjack is hands down the most popular casino game out there. It could be because of the low house edge or it could be because many people enjoy skill-testing games; either way, this game really knows how to draw in a crowd. Read on to learn five interesting facts about blackjack for the next time you find yourself hovering around the blackjack table.

Where did blackjack come from?

Originally, the game of blackjack was called “Vingt-et-Un”, which means 21 in French due to the game’s French origins. The game is still casually referred to as twenty-one in most casinos.

Why is it called “blackjack”?

You might be wondering when Vingt-et-Un changed its name to blackjack. When the game made its way to America, the name changed due to an appealing bonus given to players for receiving either a jack of spades or a jack of clubs.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s favourite hobby was Blackjack.

It’s a well-known fact that Napoleon was an avid blackjack player and would use this game to kill time while in Exile on the isle of Elba.

Blackjack gave rise to Las Vegas.

Up until the 1930s blackjack was banned in the United States and could only be played underground. Eventually the state of Nevada legalized blackjack and the Las Vegas strip grew from there.

What is a “snapper”?

In blackjack, a “snapper” refers to a natural blackjack which is when a player is dealt an ace and a face card. The chances of getting a snapper are 4.8%, so the typical reaction to receiving such a lucky hand is to snap down the cards right away, hence the name snapper.

Now that you know some obscure facts about the most popular casino game out there, you’ll be able to take on the dealer like a seasoned pro—or at least you’ll sound like one.

About Us

Welcome to Bodog Casino Blog – the ultimate destination for players looking for the latest news and tips on all things casino.

The Bodog Casino blog is your one-stop shop for everything you’ll need to ensure you’re hitting our online casino in style. Here you’ll enjoy articles covering popular strategies and industry news, so you should be able to spin, shuffle and roll with the best of them.